Dan James knows the strength in depth in wide areas at Fulham can only be a good thing for the team.
The winger has featured in every match he’s been eligible for since signing on loan from Leeds United, but there is significant competition to do so.
Willian has turned back the clocks, Neeskens Kebano is racking up the assists, Bobby De Cordova-Reid – though currently featuring at right-back – is as reliable as ever, while Harry Wilson has now returned from injury, as will Manor Solomon.
“As players we want that,” DJ explained. “We don’t want to be comfortable in our position where if we have a bad game then we’d still be playing the next week. I think the Gaffer likes that as well.
“I think it’s really good and it helps all the players in our position to push themselves.
“I’ve had a lot [of gametime] since I’ve come here. I’m in and out, [but] I’m always involved whether I’m starting or not. There’ll always be a little bit of rotation.
“I’d never think I’d just come to a club and play every week. We’re doing so well here.
“Obviously I couldn’t play on the weekend but I’m just happy to be here. The Manager, the staff, the players have all been great with me, and I’ll keep working hard.”
Willian’s performances, particularly last week in our wins over Aston Villa and Leeds, have been excellent, and James admitted that the two-time Premier League champion is someone he truly admires.
“Willian is one that, when I was younger, I really looked up to,” he said. “He’s come towards the end of his career and he’s still performing and doing really well. Players like him are great to learn off.
“This is a great club to be at, with big players all around. I always try to learn off everyone around me.”
Fulham go into Saturday’s late kick-off against Everton hoping to build on our excellent recent form, having taken seven points from a possible nine.
“As a team we’re growing every game,” James stated. “The way the Gaffer sets us up is really good, we like to try and keep the ball.
“We build up really well, and when we do that we cause damage to teams.
“It showed against Aston Villa when we were on top for a lot of the game and went on to win comfortably, and then it was good to go to Leeds and come from behind to win that game.
“This weekend’s going to be another tough one.”
